National Defense Service Medal
Instituted: 1953
Dates: 1950-54, 1961-74, 1990-95
Criteria: Any honorable active duty service during any of the above periods.
Devices: (Bronze Star, Bronze Oak Leaf)
Notes: Reinstituted in 1966 and 1991 for Vietnam and Southwest Asia (Gulf War) actions respectively. Gold and Silver Star attachments apply only to USN, USMC and USCG. Bronze and Silver Oak Leaf attachments apply only to Army and USAF.